Applications for fully funded Master's scholarships under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda are officially open.
Qualified African students with priority given to women in STEM, certified refugees, and persons with disabilities can now apply for the 2026–2027 academic year through the University of Rwanda's online recruitment portal.
.Application portal opens: 24 July 2026
- Application deadline: 22 August 2026, 11:59 PM (Central Africa Time)
- Apply here: ur.ac.rw – Call for Application for Postgraduate Scholarships
About the Program
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda (MCF-SP@UR) is a 10-year initiative designed to expand access to higher education for academically talented but economically disadvantaged young Africans — including those from conflict and post-conflict areas. The program places special emphasis on women pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), young people with disabilities, and refugee or displaced youth.
Beyond financial support, the program is built to develop Africa's next generation of ethical, transformative leaders capable of driving change at the individual, institutional, and system-wide levels across the continent.
Who Can Apply?
For the 2026–2027 academic year, the program is recruiting its 3rd cohort of 30 scholars into two-year Master's programs at the University of Rwanda. To be eligible, applicants must:
- Have already applied for admission to a two-year UR Master's program for the September 2026 intake (pre-selection is conditional on admission)
- Hold a completed bachelor's degree relevant to the Master's program applied for
- Be a Rwandan or African citizen (certified refugees must have documentation from UNHCR, MINEMA, or another relevant agency)
- Be no older than 40 (male applicants) or 45 (female applicants) at the time of application
- Demonstrate critical social and/or economic need, and/or a disability
- Show a proven record of leadership and community engagement
- Commit to giving back to their community after graduation
- Not be enrolled in any other tertiary institution
Priority allocation:
- 70% of scholarships reserved for qualified females
- 80% of scholarships reserved for STEM candidates
- 25% reserved for certified refugees
- 10% reserved for persons with disabilities
Note: Continuing students are not eligible for this scholarship.
What the Scholarship Covers
Selected scholars receive a comprehensive support package, including:
- Full tuition fees, a laptop, learning materials, and an annual return ticket allowance
- A full-year monthly stipend
- Psycho-social support services
- Uniquely sourced internships with industry partners
- Ongoing academic mentorship, virtual learning, and tutoring
- Career development services, including industrial mentorship, career guidance, and enterprise development
- Leadership congresses, community service opportunities, and "Go-Back, Give-Back" initiatives
- Lifetime membership in the global Mastercard Foundation Scholars Alumni network
How to Apply
- Complete the general application form online via the official portal: mcfsprecruitment.ur.ac.rw
- Upload all required supporting documents, saved in PDF format (under 250 KB) and named with the applicant's full name
- Applications can be completed across multiple sessions — but should only be submitted once every field and attachment is complete
- Click Submit only when the form is fully finished
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an oral interview conducted by an independent panel, followed by an unannounced home validation visit before final selection.
Important Notes for Applicants
- There are no charges, fees, or agents involved at any stage of the application or selection process
- Falsifying information or attempting to influence the process will result in automatic disqualification
- Decisions of the Scholars Recruitment Committee are final
- Scholarships are renewed annually based on satisfactory academic performance
- Successful scholars must remain in close communication with the University of Rwanda for at least five years after graduation
Need Help with Your Application?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program support team is available throughout the application window:
- Emmanuel Kamanzi (UR Admission and Registration Specialist) e.kamanzi@ur.ac.rw | +250 788 736 530
- Dr. Odette Uwizeye (Registrar, University of Rwanda) registrar@ur.ac.rw | +250 788 304 39
- Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza (Data Analytics and IT) j.b.mugiraneza@ur.ac.rw | +250 722 016 900
- Oscar Muvandimwe (Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist) o.muvandimwe@ur.ac.rw | +250 788 488 272
Don't miss the deadline applications close 22 August 2026 at 11:59 PM CAT. Apply today through the University of Rwanda recruitment portal.
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